KR20040071768A - Universal remote control unit with automatic appliance identification and programming - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for automatically programming a universal remote device. In a system, a remote device obtains identification data from the specific device it points to. Data is processed to determine command protocols associated with a particular device. Control commands are formatted according to the command protocols associated with the particular device for the particular device input to the remote device by the user.

Description

Universal remote control unit with automatic appliance identification and programming

Remote control units can generally be used to control many devices today, in particular consumer electronic devices. Most of the public are familiar with remote control units (often simply called "remote devices") for controlling their television sets and VCRs. Other devices such as DVD players, CD players and other home stereo equipment are controllable via remote control devices. Other devices (such as devices) and systems (such as a home alarm system) can also be controlled by remote control devices.

Remote control units typically operate by emitting a sequence of infrared pulses received by a controlled device. The particular sequence provided reflects the encoded command (such as on, off, volume adjustment, channel change) recognized by the controlled device. (The "encoded command" sent between the remote device and the particular device will be generally called a "command protocol.") When received by the controlled device, the command protocol is recognized and performed by the device. However, if a command protocol for a particular device is received by a different device, nothing will generally happen because the command protocol does not indicate a command for that device when it is decoded.

There are also "universal" remote control units that can be programmed to control a number of different devices such as televisions and VCRs. For such a universal remote device, there are a number of buttons that allow the user to select a device to be controlled. (Alternatively, one select button can be used to scroll through the controlled devices.) After the user selects a device, any selected commands are released as a command protocol recognized by the selected device. For example, if the user selects "VCR" on a programmed universal remote device, the encoded command (command protocol) issued by the remote device will be recognized by the VCR. If the user then selects the command "Channel 7" via the remote device, the channel signal sent by the remote device will be encoded to change the channel settings on the VCR. Decoding of encoded channel commands by the television will generally not be recognized and the television will remain on the same channel.

As will be appreciated, universal remote devices may be programmed to control multiple devices. Typically, a general purpose remote device is loaded and sold with a comprehensive database of command protocols for a number of available devices. The general purpose remote device may then be programmed through a programming sequence such that specific command protocols for devices found in the user's home may be selected by the user. For example, a general purpose remote device may be manually programmed by the user by entering a specific reference number (sometimes called the "device code" of the device) corresponding to the device of the user's home. General purpose remote devices include device codes in the database and associated command protocols for these devices that can be controlled by programming the remote device. By entering the device code for a particular device, the remote device searches the database for the command protocols associated with the device code and uses the command protocols when control commands are subsequently entered by the user through the remote device. The programming sequence may be performed for a number of different devices using the corresponding device code for each such device. The programming sequence can then also include assigning command protocols for each programmed device to one of the selection buttons (or spots that can be assigned using a single button).

In general, some universal remote control units emit one or more encoded commands sequentially for each of the devices of the remote device's database, and the user stops searching when the user knows that the commands are being released to properly control the user's device. Provide a procedure for determining the device code of a device of a user's home.

Among the disadvantages of the prior art for general purpose remote devices is that the user must manually select the device to be controlled. Thus, the user must first select a device by pressing a button on the remote device and then select a control command to be sent to the device. This requires a number of manipulations that are inconvenient for the user. For example, a user may record a program on channel 2 on the VCR and watch the program on channel 4 on the television. In this example, the user may typically have selected a television on a universal remote device, and thus the volume may be controlled. If the user wants to change the recorded state on the VCR, the user must select "VCR" on the remote device, press the keys on the remote device to change the channel on the VCR, and then allow the volume of the TV to be controlled again. You must select "TV" on the remote device.

In addition, as described above, currently available general purpose remote devices require some form of user involvement during programming. The user must enter the device codes of the devices during the programming sequence, or when the remote device automatically issues control commands for all devices in its database, the user is issued a control command that controls one of the devices of the user. Should be indicated. Both of these procedures add to the complexity of general purpose remote devices and are often not used by the average consumer.

The present invention relates to remote control units for controlling devices, home electronic equipment and the like.

1 illustrates an embodiment of a remote control unit and system of the present invention.

1A is a more detailed view of the remote control unit of FIG. 1.

1B is an illustration of a number of components including the remote device of FIG. 1A.

2 is a detailed view of a remote control unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A illustrates a number of components including the remote device of FIG. 2. FIG.

3 is an illustration of an image captured by the remote device of FIG.

4 illustrates a portion of a database of templates stored at the remote device of FIG.

5 is a flow chart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

It is an object of the present invention to automatically determine and automatically switch a device to be controlled by a user so that the command protocol corresponding to the selected device is released by the remote device when the user provides the control command to the remote device and the remote control unit. To provide. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a system and a remote control unit which automatically determine the device code for the selected device (or determine the appropriate control protocol) and which do not require programming by the user. In particular, it is an object of the present invention, when multiple such devices are located in one room, where programming of various devices and switching between the various devices can be tedious and cumbersome, such automatic programming of devices and automatic between devices To provide switching.

In accordance with these objects, the present invention includes a remote device capable of controlling a plurality of devices. This remote device obtains identification data from the particular device pointed to. Data is processed to determine command protocols associated with a particular device. Control commands for a particular device entered by the user into the remote device are formatted according to the command protocols associated with the particular device.

The invention further includes a method for controlling one particular device selected from the plurality of devices based on the selection direction. Identification data is obtained from a particular device. Command protocols associated with a particular device are determined using identification data. Control commands for a particular device are formatted according to the command protocols determined for the particular device.

The invention further includes a system of multiple devices that can be controlled via a remote device. The remote device obtains identification information from a particular device among the devices pointed to by the remote device. Each device of the devices emits identification information that identifies each device, for example. In this case, the identification data of the specific device pointed to by the remote device is selected by the remote device. In general, the acquisition of identification data of a particular device pointed to by the remote device itself may be initiated. Identification data for a particular device is processed by the remote device to determine command protocols associated with the particular device. Control commands for a particular device input by the user to the remote device are formatted according to the command protocols associated with the particular device.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a general purpose remote control unit 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as a "remote device") that includes an embodiment of the present invention. Remote device 10 controls a number of devices shown in FIG. 1, such as television 12, VCR 14, stereo tuner / amplifier 16 and CD player 18. As is well known in the art, the television 12 and the VCR 14 are electrically connected so that recorded programs can be played back on the VCR 14 and the appropriate settings and commands can be sent via the television 12 to the device. Can be viewed when entered. Similarly, the stereo tuner / amplifier 16 and the CD player 18 are electrically connected so that CDs can be inserted into the CD player 18 and amplified through the stereo tuner / amplifier 18 for listening. .

As will be described in more detail below, after the remote device 10 has been used by the user to provide a control command to one of the devices in accordance with the invention (which is automatic selection and the user's intended The remote device emits signals in accordance with the command protocol for the selected device. 1A illustrates a more detailed exemplary embodiment of a remote device 10 having various buttons that provide a user interface through which a user can enter commands for a selected device. Among other things, the remote device 10 includes a power button 10a, a volume control button 10b, channel input buttons 10c, channel up / down buttons 10d and VCR control buttons 10e. (Some of which may also be used to control the CD player 18). For example, if the television 12 is the selected device, pressing the volume control buttons 10b on the remote device will cause the remote device to emit volume control commands in accordance with the television 12's command protocol, thus The volume changes. As another example, if the stereo tuner / amplifier 16 is the selected device, pressing the volume control buttons 10b on the remote device 10 causes the remote device 10 to command a volume control command in accordance with the command protocol of the stereo 16. The volume of the stereo will change. Since the command protocols for stereo 16 are different from television 12, changing the volume of stereo 16 using remote device 10 will not change the volume of television 12 and vice versa. to be.

Other control commands, well known to those skilled in the art and to consumers, can be sent to television 12, VCR 14, stereo tuner / amplifier 16 or CD player 18 when a particular device is selected at remote device 10. FIG. have. Once the selected device is identified at the remote device, the commands entered by the user via the button interface on the remote device 10 are similarly emitted according to the command protocol for the selected device. The format of the command protocols used between the remote device 10 of FIG. 1 and various devices is known in the art and will not be described herein. A sequence of IR signals containing a command formatted according to the command protocol for a particular device is emitted through the IR light output port 10f on the front of the remote device 10. IR signals are received at IR reception sensors 12a, 14a, 16a, 18a on the surfaces of television 12, VCR 14, stereo tuner / amplifier 16 or CD player 18, for example. Command protocols are described in more detail in Darbee, US Pat. No. 5,959,751, respectively.

Selection of the desired device (television 12, VCR 14, stereo tuner / amplifier 16 or CD player 18) controlled by the remote device 10 for using command protocols corresponding to the selected device and Programming of the remote device is performed automatically in accordance with the present invention. The device automatically selected by the remote device corresponds to the device to which the remote device 10 is aimed at by the user.

In order to establish a device to which the remote device 10 is aimed, it comprises a device usable with the remote device 10 (television 12, VCR 14, stereo tuner / amplifier 16 or CD player 18). There is a bidirectional communication capability and protocol in between). Thus, the remote device 10 does not include only the IR output port 10f, but an IR optical sensor 10g on the front of the remote device 10 that detects incident IR light for decoding and processing by the remote device 10. ) Is also included. In addition, the devices, ie, the television 12, the VCR 14, the stereo tuner / amplifier 16 or the CD player 18 each have an IR for the output of the sequence of IR pulses generated by each device. Light output ports 12b, 14b, 16b, 18b.

The IR sensor 10g on the front of the remote device 10 is a narrow field of view IR sensor that is commercially available. For example, the field of view of the IR sensor 10g is 10 degrees. The IR light emitted by the user's pointing device's output port (IR light output port 12b, 14b, 16b or 18b) will be within the field of view (10 ° in this case) of the IR sensor 10g and thus the remote device It is detected by (10). For example, referring again to FIG. 1, the remote device 10 is shown pointing at the television 12. The field of view 10 ° of the IR sensor 10g of the remote device is shown by the cone 20 crossing the plan of the television 12 as a circle 22. The narrow field of view of the sensor 10g is symmetrical about its central axis (resulting in a circular field of view as shown), but other shapes of field of view are possible depending on the sensor. In general, however, the narrow field of view of sensor 10g will only capture IR light emitted by the IR light output port of the pointed device. Thus, since port 12b is only a port located within circle 22, i.e., the field of view of IR light sensor 10g on remote device 10, as shown in FIG. 1, IR sensor 10g is merely a television 12; Will only capture light emitted by the IR output port 12b.

The field of view of the IR sensor 10g may envelope the IR output port of the two devices. For example, in FIG. 1, when the remote device 10 is aimed at the lower portion of the television 12, the edge of the field of view represented by the circle 22 also sees the IR output port 14b of the VCR 14. Will be enveloped. However, the IR signal received from the IR output port of the device in the center of the field of view (ie, the output port 12b of the television 12) is generally a signal received from the device at the edge of the field of view (ie, of the VCR 14). From output port 14b). Thus, the remote device 10 may also include a filter or the like that removes the weak IR signal received by the remote device 10 and processes the stronger signal received from the device pointed to by the remote device 10.

Each device emits an IR signal from each IR light output port that provides a device code for the device. Thus, television 12 emits a signal through its IR output port 12b that provides a specific device code for television 12. Similarly, VCE 14 emits a signal through its IR output port 14b providing a device code for VCR 14, and stereo tuner / amplifier 16 is connected to stereo tuner / amplifier 16b. It emits a signal through its IR output port 16b providing a device code, and the CD player 18 emits a signal through its IR output port 18b providing a device code for the CD player 18. .

The signals emitted by each device providing each device code are in a standard format that can be decoded by the remote device 10 via internal processing when received. Referring to FIG. 1B, a number of typical components of the remote device of FIG. 1B are provided that provide processing of the received IR signal. Internal processing may be performed by, for example, microprocessor 10p with appropriate execution software or other digital algorithms. Microprocessor 10p receives input from IR light sensor 10g and input buttons 10a-10e and may be via control devices (not shown but intermediate devices such as IR LEDs) for IR output port 10f. Is provided). Microprocessor 10p may be internal to microprocessor 10g and also interfaces with database 10s, which may provide temporary storage for microprocessor 10p.

As described above, all devices in the room of FIG. 1 emit IR signals from IR light output ports 12b-16b, but because of the narrow field of view of sensor 10g (following other electronic processing if necessary) 10 will only receive and process the IR signal emitted by the pointed device. Thus, for example, if the remote device 10 is aimed at the television 12 as shown in FIG. 1, the IR sensor 10g of the remote device 10 only emits through its IR output port 12b. Will receive and process the IR signal providing the device code of the television 12 being The processor 10p of the remote device 10 then decodes the device code of the television 12 received from the IR light sensor 10g. Using the device code for the television 12, Associated command protocols are retrieved from the comprehensive database 10s of devices of the remote device 10. Thus, any control command (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B) input by the user via the button interface 10a-10e of the remote device is transmitted to the command protocols and IR output port 10f for the television 12. Is formatted by the processor 10p according to the output by the remote device.

Thus, the remote device 10 automatically outputs formatted commands for the device pointed to by the remote device 10. When the remote device 10 is aimed at another device such as a CD player 18 by being moved by a user, the remote device 10 is released by the IR output port 18b of the CD player 18. Receive the device code for 18 (via sensor 10g) and process it. As described above, due to the narrow field of view of the sensor 10g (along with other electronic processing to eliminate any weak IR signals, if necessary), the sensor 10g of the remote device 10 is aimed directly at, i.e. The device code of the CD player 18 will only be received and processed. Internal processing of the remote device 10 uses the device code to decode the received device code of the CD player 18 and retrieve the associated command protocols for the CD player 18. Any commands entered by the user via the buttons 18 on the remote device will be formatted to control the CD player 18 to which the remote device 10 points.

In this way, a user can quickly and continuously control devices without having to first select each device on the remote device before entering a command. For example, a user may simply point the remote device 10 at the television 12 and press the power button 10a to turn on the television 12. As described above, by aiming the remote device 10 at the television 12, the remote device will emit an appropriate command (“toggle power”) in accordance with the command protocol for the television 12. The user then aims the remote device 10 at the CD player 18, presses the power button 10a to turn on the CD player 18, and then presses the play button (located in group 10e) to start playing the CD. Press. As also described above, by aiming the remote device 10 at the CD player 18, the remote device may be assigned to appropriate commands (“toggle power”, “play”) according to the command protocol for the CD player 18. Followed).

The devices may emit IR signals indicative of their device codes periodically at short intervals, for example, so that the remote device 10 may not be able to time and remote device typical user takes for the remote device 10 to aim at the device. Detects at least one emitted signal comprising device code from the device in less than the time required to enter a control command for the device via the buttons on the top. In general, when the user points the remote device 10 to the device and when a control command is input through the remote device 10, the remote device 10 first initiates a setup procedure. For example, the remote device 10 may emit a "Request Identification" signal in a standard format through its IR output port 10f. Any device that receives an identification request signal through its IR receiving sensors (such as sensors 12a, 14a, 16a, 18a of FIG. 1) responds by emitting its device code. As described above, because of the narrow field of view of the sensor 10g (along with other electronic processing if necessary), the remote device 10 will only receive and process the device code emitted by the pointed device. The remote device 10 selects a command protocol from a database for the identified device code and sends a control command entered by the user formatted according to the command protocol. Thus, the device pointed at by the remote device receives the command entered by the user of the appropriate command protocol.

In an alternative variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the remote device 10 includes an optical camera that captures an image and provides it to the remote device's processor. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, the remote device 10 is optical except that the IR sensor 10g (and associated processing for decoding the IR signals including the device code emitted by the devices) is omitted. Substantially shown in FIG. 1A except that camera 10h is present on the top end of remote device 10. There is an optical axis (OA in FIG. 2) of the optical camera 10h in the longitudinal direction of the remote device 10, so that the user aims the optical axis of the camera 10h at the desired device when the remote device points at the device. The device intended to be controlled by the user will thus be substantially positioned in the center of the image captured by the optical camera 10h.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the remote device 10 of FIG. 2 includes substantially the same internal components as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B. Of course, in FIG. 2A, the processor 10p of the remote device 10 is connected with the optical camera 10h. In addition, the software (or other digital algorithms performed by the processor 10p) includes image recognition software that provides an embodiment, and the database 10s stores data as described in more detail below.

When the image is captured by the optical camera 10h and received by the processor 10p, the image recognition software performed by the processor 10p focuses on the identification of the object at the center of the image where the device is similarly located. . The comprehensive database 10s of command protocols associated with the various devices of the remote device 10 of this embodiment includes a detailed digital representation of the surface of each device associated with the command protocols for the device. Detailed digital representations of the surfaces of each device are, for example, of each device used by the processor of the remote device 10 of the image recognition processing routine to identify the device located in the center of the image captured by the remote device. Contains templates of the surface. When a match is detected between the stored template for the device and the object in the center of the captured image, command protocols associated with the stored template for the device are used by the remote device.

For example, FIG. 3 shows an image captured by the optical camera 10h of the remote device 10 when aimed as shown in FIG. 1. (The field of view of the optical camera 10h does not need to be a narrow field of view as for the sensor 10g of the prior embodiment, and as shown, the image shown in FIG. 3 will differ from the dashed circle in FIG. 1). The television 12 is shown at the center of the image of FIG. 3 since the remote device 10 is aimed at the television 12 of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 4, a comprehensive database of templates of devices stored in database 10s of remote device 10 of FIG. 2A is represented. Of course, the templates represented in Figure 4 are digitally stored on the remote device. Templates are a collection of templates of the fronts of many devices available from various manufacturers. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the templates may include televisions (a large number of televisions are shown as televisions 100a, 100b, 100c in FIG. 4) and VCRs (a large number of VCRs in FIG. 4. (Shown as 100d, 100e, 100f)). As represented by the series of dots ("...") of FIG. 4, many other models of televisions, VCRs and other devices (CD players, stereo tuner / amplifiers, DVD players, etc.). And templates for formats are also stored in the database.

As noted above, the templates as shown in FIG. 4 digitally stored in the remote device 10 are a set of templates of the fronts and associated command protocols of many devices available from various manufacturers. Typically, remote device 10 will have a comprehensive set of command protocols for templates and many commonly available devices preloaded in database 10s. In addition, for devices introduced after sale of the remote device (or for devices not included in the database 10s), the template and command controls can be transferred from the diskette or CD with the device, or from the author's website to the user's PC. Can be used for download. The template and command protocols can then be transferred from the user's PC to the database 10s (or individually programmable non-volatile memory of the remote device), for example via a USB connection.

When the processor 10p of the remote device 10 of FIG. 2A receives the captured image from the optical camera 10h, it attempts to match a template of its database 10s with an object in the center of the captured image. . Initially, the processor 10p will attempt to identify the parent of the device in the center of the image to reduce the number of comparisons that need to be made with the stored templates. Thus, for example, the processor 10p first determines that an object in the center of the image of FIG. 3 is approximately square in shape. Upon generating the initial decision, the processor 10p then attempts to match the object with the templates of the database 10s having a square shape (among the televisions 100a, 100b, 100c of FIG. 4). When a template is found in the database 10s that best matches the object in the center of the image, the command protocol associated with the best matching template is used by the remote device to provide the commands.

For example, after comparison of the templates of television devices in database 10s, processor 10p may determine that template 100b of FIG. 4 stored in database 10s is optimally adapted to television 12 in the center of the image of FIG. Will match. (The processor will have to digitally rotate and scale the template or object of the image to make comparisons.) That the television 12 corresponds to the model and format of the television represented by the template 100b of the database 10s. Once determined, the processor 10p uses the command protocols associated with the database 10s with its template (indicative of the particular format and model television) when the command is entered by the user.

Image recognition software is described in D.M. of Proceedings of IEEE International Conference On Computer Vision, Kerkyra, Greece 1999, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. It can be adapted from the pedestrian and traffic signals detection method as described in "Real-Time Object Detection For" Smart "Vehicles" by Gavrila and V. Philomin (available at www.gavrila net). The template layer can capture various object shapes of the image by extracting the binary shape image and generating its distance transform ("DT") image. Binary templates (eg, as represented in FIG. 4) are converted to DT templates before comparison with the DT image. One of a number of matching measures is used to determine a match, for example, a match can be found when the average distance to the nearest shape is minimum or below a user supplied threshold.

In the implementation of this matching processing described in the document "Real-Time Object Detection For" Smart "Vehicles", the matching is done using various distance transform based matching, from coarse to fine through the shape layer and through transform parameters simultaneously. Use the approach of. Thus, similar templates are grouped together in other templates as well as square templates (100a, 100b, 100c, etc.) for the television of FIG. 4, rectangular templates (100d, 100f, 100g, etc.) for VCRs, for example. do. Each group of shapes is represented by a prototype template and matching with the DT image is performed using the prototypes before the actual templates containing the group. After the best match with the prototype template is determined, the individual templates containing the groups included in the database 10s are compared with the DT image.

For example, a DT template of a prototype such as square (typically representing televisions), rectangular (typically representing VCRs), or the like is first used by the processor 10p of the remote device 10 to display the television 12 of FIG. Is compared with the DT image. The square prototype DT template will best match the DT image of the television 12 of FIG. 3. After this determination, the processor 10p may, for other comparisons, separate (square) templates of the televisions 100a, 100b, 100c, etc. of FIG. 4 stored in a database 10s containing a group represented by square prototypes. To determine the best match.

Actual templates can also be further grouped into subclasses of similarities, each subclass can be represented by a prototype template indicating the similarity of the actual templates of the subclass. Comparing the DT image with the number of templates representing the actual device by matching the DT images of the prototype templates for successive sub-categories of similarities results in these templates comprising a group of prototype templates for the last sub-level. Decrease.

For example, televisions may be subclassed as having a square screen or an elliptical screen. After the square prototype template is determined to match the DT image of the television of FIG. 3, the second level (sub classification) of the square prototype templates can be compared with the image. Two prototype templates will be at the second level, one with a square border and a square inner border (representing a square screen) and the other with a square border and an elliptical inner border (representing an elliptical screen). The televisions 100b. 100c of FIG. 4 (with regular screens) will be among those containing the group represented by the prototype template with elliptical inner boundaries, and the television 100c of FIG. 4 (with an elliptical screen). ) Will be among the actual templates containing the group represented by the prototype with elliptical inner boundaries. After comparing the DT image of the television 12 of FIG. 3 with the prototype templates of the second level, the processor 10p determines that the prototype template with the tetragonal boundary is the best match with the DT image of FIG. 3. Terminate (based on relevant measurements of matching). After this determination, the processor 10p retrieves the templates of the televisions 100b, 100c, etc. from the database 10s that includes the actual devices of the group represented by matching the second level prototype for another comparison. Determine the best match.

When the processor 10p of the remote device 10 determines that the template stored in the comprehensive database 10s matches the object of the image, the command protocols associated with the template (representing a particular mark and model device) may cause the instructions to be sent to the user. It is used by the remote device 10 when entered by. For example, as noted above, after the stored templates of FIG. 4 are compared to the image of the television 12 of FIG. 3, the processor 10p of the remote device 10 causes the template 100b to be centered in FIG. 3. Is determined to match the object (television) 12. The command protocols for the format and model of the television 12 represented by the template 100b are associated with the template 100b of the database 10s, which when the user enters a command into the remote device 10. Used by processor 10p. Thus, by aiming the remote device 10 at the desired device, the remote device automatically identifies the command protocol for the device and issues commands using the identified command protocol.

In addition, if multiple templates in database 10s have been identified by template 10 corresponding to devices identified by a user, processor 10p first compares these previously identified templates with the captured image and then transfers them. Determine if the matching criteria for one of the templates identified in is approximately the same as when the device was last identified. If one of the smaller numbers of previously identified templates matches an object of the image at substantially the same angle, the processor 10p determines if he matches and uses the instruction protocols associated with the matching template. In addition, stored templates corresponding to devices in the room can be identified and updated by the user initiating the learning procedure by pressing a button on the remote device 10. When the user points the remote device at a device in the room and initiates a learning procedure, the remote device matches the template of the device with the associated command protocols for the template and the device as described above. The learning procedure is performed for each device that the user wishes to control and can be updated as new devices are added and removed. After this learning procedure is performed, when the user aims the device at the remote device, the processor 10p only considers these templates for previously identified devices when the decision matches. This significantly reduces the response time of the remote device. Also, matching is faster and more reliable because the remote device only selects a match for the device among the templates for devices owned by the user.

In general, devices may have unique characteristics, which can be easily identified in an image processing routine. For example, a barcode (etc.) can be attached to the front of each controllable device. In such a case, the comprehensive database 10s of the remote device 10 may include a barcode for each device and the corresponding command protocols of the device. The image captured by the camera of the remote device is searched for the barcode, and if found, the barcode is analyzed and decoded. Once decoded, the command protocols for the identified device are retrieved from the database and used.

As described for the first embodiment of the present invention, the remote device may periodically capture images via the optical camera 10h and apply image recognition processing to match the device located in the center of the image. Can be. The time interval between successive acquisitions and the processing of the image will be less than the average time it will take for the user to enter a command after the remote device has aimed. Alternatively, input of a control command by the user using the buttons of the remote device may initiate image capture and processing for the device pointed to by the remote device, as described above. Once the command protocol for the device has been identified in the center of the captured image, the control commands entered by the user are emitted according to the command protocol.

The previously described description, relying on a second variation of the invention described above, which relies on image processing at the remote device to identify the device that the remote device is aiming at, and a device that emits an IR signal providing its device code. The first variation of the invention can also be carried out together in the same universal remote device and system. In this case, the remote device 10 will be a hybrid of the remote devices 10 of FIGS. 1A and 2, that is, it will have both an IR optical sensor 10g and an optical camera 10h. One determination of the type and model of the device (eg, made using the device code received via the IR signal) may be used to confirm the other decision (eg, made using template matching of the image processing routine). Can be. If device decisions made using IR signal and image processing are not acknowledged, an error subroutine may be called by the processor of the remote device 10. For example, the template corresponding to the device code of the IR signal can be retrieved from the database and compared with the object of the image. If the measure of matching is high, command protocols for the device code of the IR signal are used. Otherwise, command protocols associated with the template determined through the image processing routine are used.

It has also been previously mentioned that the user's input of a substantial command using the buttons on the surface of the remote device can initiate the determination of the device to which the remote device points. Alternatively, the remote device may include an individual setting button that, when the user points the device to the remote device, initiates the determination of command protocols for the device that the remote device points to (eg, device code or image recognition of the device). Via an IR signal providing processing). In addition, with the command protocols determined for the device, the remote device 10 may use these command protocols until the user presses the setup button on the remote device again. In such a case, the user can continue to control the same device even if the remote device 10 is not aimed directly at the device. If the user wants to change the devices, the remote device 10 is aimed at the next device to be controlled and the setting button is pressed again.

In two variations of the above embodiment, an identification between two (or more) devices detected by remote device 10 has been described. In a first variation, filtering or similar electronic devices may be used by the remote device 10 where multiple IR signals with codes of devices have been received by the narrow field of view sensor 10g. It is assumed that IR signals from devices aimed at remote devices will emit stronger signals. In a second variation it was mentioned that image recognition processing will generate a DT image for the object located closest to the center of the captured image. If two or more objects were captured in the image (all or part of it), the device that the user points to the remote device will appear closest to the center of the image.

However, it can often occur when two or more devices are in close proximity and / or the remote device 10 is not aimed exactly at the desired device by the user. For example, when the remote device 10 of FIG. 1 points at the bottom of the television 12, the IR output ports 12b, 14b of the television 12 and the VCR 14 are both in a narrow field of view 22. Will be located internally, and therefore the IR signals emitted by the television 12 and the VCR 14 detected by the remote device 10 will have approximately the same intensity. (Also, the intensity of the IR signals emitted by different devices may be different or the device in the center of the field of view may be farther than the surrounding device; therefore, the IR signal from the device pointed at by the remote device 10 is near If image recognition is used by the remote device 10 to identify the device, then it may be necessary to identify whether the television 12 or the VCR 14 is located in the "center" of the captured image. Processing can also be difficult.

If the remote device is focused on one of the two or more devices, the remote device 10 will identify all devices for the user and require the user to select what the device is intended to be controlled for. For example, if the remote device 10 is concentrated to receive IR signals of device codes for both the television 12 and the VCR 14 of FIG. 1, the processing in the remote device 10 may change the first change above. The device codes received can be used to observe and retrieve a description of the type and model of the two devices in the database as described in. The remote device 10 can then display a description of the devices on the LCD or other display of the remote device 10. For example, the remote device may display "Toshiba Model M61 Television" for the television 10 and "Panasonic Model PM3 VCR" for the VCR 12 on the display of the remote device. The user selects that the device is intended to be controlled via a button or other input to a remote device. Once selected, the processor retrieves command protocols from the database for the selected device (eg, TV 12 or VCR 14) and uses them for the input of any commands by the user.

Similarly, if the remote device 10 aims at being unable to determine whether the central location of the image is a television 12 or a VCR 14, the processing within the remote device 10 may result in two objects in the central area of the image. Image recognition (eg, using template matching). The format and model of the devices stored in the database associated with the templates that best match the objects of the image is determined as described in the second variation above. The remote device provides the user with a description of the types and models of the identified devices and the user selects the intended device. Once selected, the remote device uses the command protocols of the memory associated with the selected device.

5, a general flow diagram of a method according to the present invention is given. In step 100, a particular device is selected from a plurality of devices based on the selection direction. For example, for the remote device of the previous embodiments, the selection direction is the direction that the user points to the remote device. In step 105, identification data is obtained from a particular device. For example, this may be an IR signal that includes device code transmitted from the device, or it may be a captured image of the device, such as in the embodiments described previously. In step 110, command protocols associated with a particular device are determined using identification data. For example, if the identification data is an IR signal that includes a device code, the device code can be used to refer to the editing of the device codes for the devices and their associated command protocols. Command protocols are selected that are associated with editing a device's device code. The identification data includes an image of the particular device, which image can be used to find a matching image representation in the compilation of image representations for the devices and their associated command protocols. Command protocols associated with editing with an image representation that matches an image of the device are selected. In step 120, control commands for the particular device are formatted according to the determined command protocols.

While illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise embodiments. For example, the command protocols associated with an identified device have been described as being retrieved from a comprehensive database of remote devices once the device to which the remote device is directed is identified. In general, for example, the remote device may receive a wireless download of the command protocol from the indicated device, for example via the narrow field of view IR light sensor 10g of the previously described embodiment. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (11)

In a remote device 10 capable of controlling a plurality of devices 12, 14, 16, 18, the remote device 10 obtains identification data from a specific device 12 pointed at, Process the data to determine associated command protocols, and control commands for the particular device 12 input by the user to the remote device 10 in accordance with the command protocols associated with the particular device 12. Formatting, remote device 10. The method of claim 1, The remote device (10) obtains identification data from the specific device (12) aimed at by receiving a signal emitted from the device (12) aimed at. The method of claim 2, The remote device 10 includes a sensor 10g for detecting the signal emitted by the specific device 12 in a narrow field of view with respect to the direction in which the remote device 10 is aimed. . The method of claim 2 or 3, And the signal is an IR signal containing the device code of the specific device (12). The method of claim 1, The remote device 10 includes a database 10s containing identification data of the plurality of devices 12, 14, 16, 18 and their associated command protocols, the remote device 10 being the particular device. A remote device (10) using the identification data of the specific device (12) to determine the command protocols associated with (12). The method of claim 1, The remote device 10 captures at least one image containing the specific device 12 in the direction in which the remote device 10 is aimed and uses image recognition processing to determine the specific device 12 in the image. Remote device (10) to obtain identification data from the specific device (12) pointed to by the remote device (10). The method of claim 6, The remote device includes a database 10s containing representations of images 100a-100f of the plurality of devices 12, 14, 16, 18 and their associated command protocols, the remote device 10 Determines a representation of the image 100b in the database 10s that matches the particular device 12 in the image, and the remote device 10 determines the format of the input control commands in order to format the input control commands. A remote device using command protocols associated with the representation of the image (100b). The method of claim 1, The remote device 10 obtains identification data from the specific device 12 to which the remote device 10 is aimed after the user inputs an acquisition command to the remote device 12, and the specific device 12 After processing the identification data obtained to determine the command protocols associated with the remote device 10, the remote device 10 is further configured according to the command protocols associated with the particular device 12 until the user enters another acquire command. A remote device (10) for formatting control commands for the particular device (12) input by the user to the remote device (10). The method of claim 1, The remote device 10 obtains identification data from the two or more specific devices 12 and 14 pointed at, and the remote device 10 processes the identification data and the data of the two or more specific devices 12 and 14. Displays the identification to the user, the user provides a selection input to the remote device 10 that selects one of the identified two or more specific devices 12, 14, and the remote device 10 The selected specific device (10) determined by the user to the remote device 10 according to the command protocols associated with the selected specific device 12 or 14 and determining the command protocol associated with the selected device 12 or 14; Remote device 10 for formatting control commands for 12 or 14). As a method of controlling one particular device 12 selected from a plurality of devices 12, 14, 16, 18 based on the selection direction: Obtaining (105) identification data from the specific device; Determining command protocols associated with the particular device using the identification data (11); And Formatting (120) control commands for the particular device in accordance with the determined command protocols for the particular device. The method of claim 10, Obtaining (105) identification data from the specific device comprises receiving an IR signal including the device code transmitted from the specific device.